Introduction
It has often been asserted by European writers that the Qur’an teaches that women have no souls. Such, however, is not the case. What the holy book actually teaches about women, their status, their rights, and their responsibilities can be gathered from the following selections from various Surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an.
Etymology
- Qur’an (القرآن): The term “Qur’an” is derived from the Arabic verb “qara’a” (قرأ), which means “to read” or “to recite.” Thus, Qur’an means “the recitation.”
- Sūrah (سورة): Refers to a chapter of the Qur’an. The word is derived from the root ’s-w-r’, which means “something that is enclosed” or “a fence.”
The Qur’an on Women’s Souls and Spiritual Equality
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)
1"Verily the resigned men and the resigned women,
2The believing men and the believing women,
3The devout men and the devout women,
4The truthful men and the truthful women,
5The patient men and the patient women,
6The humble men and the humble women,
7The charitable men and the charitable women,
8The fasting men and the fasting women,
9The chaste men and the chaste women,
10And the men and women who oft remember God,
11For them hath God prepared forgiveness and a mighty recompense."
This verse establishes the spiritual equality of men and women, asserting that both genders, when adhering to Islamic principles, are promised forgiveness and a mighty recompense.
Guidelines for Modesty
Surah An-Nur (24:31)
1"Speak to the believing women that they refrain their eyes, and observe continence; and that they display not their ornaments, except those which are external; and that they throw their veils over their bosoms, and display not their ornaments, except to their husbands or their fathers, or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons, or their husbands’ sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male domestics who have no natural force, or to children who note not women’s nakedness. And let them not strike their feet together, so as to discover their hidden ornaments. And be ye all turned to God, O ye Believers! that it may be well with you."
The verse advises women on modesty, outlining guidelines to maintain social decorum and respectability.
Treating Female Converts
Surah Al-Mumtahina (60:10-12)
1"O Believers! when believing women come over to you as refugees (Muhājirs), then make trial of them. God best knoweth their faith; but if ye have also ascertained their faith, let them not go back to the infidels; they are not lawful for them, nor are the unbelievers lawful for these women. But give them back what they have spent for their dowers. No crime shall it be in you to marry them, provided ye give them their dowers. Do not retain any right in the infidel women, but demand back what you have spent for their dowers, and let the unbelievers demand back what they have spent for their wives. This is the ordinance of God which He ordaineth among you: and God is Knowing, Wise."
This passage deals with the treatment of female converts who seek refuge with the Muslims, emphasizing their dignity and the proper return of dowers.
Creation and Responsibility of Women and Men
Surah An-Nisa (4:1, 4:34-35)
1"O Mankind! fear your Lord, who hath created you of one soul (nafs), and of him created his wife, and from these twain hath spread abroad so many men and women. And fear ye God, in whose name ye ask mutual favours—and reverence the wombs that bare you. Verily is God watching you!"
1“Men are guardians over women because Allah has made some of them excel the others and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). So righteous women are obedient, guarding in absence what Allah would have them guard. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them and keep them apart from your beds and beat them (lightly). Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand."
These verses highlight the mutual complementarity and responsibilities of men and women, also providing guidelines for maintaining marital harmony.
Protecting Women’s Honor
Surah An-Nur (24:4-9)
1"They who defame virtuous women, and bring not four witnesses, scourge them with eighty stripes, and receive ye not their testimony for ever, for these are perverse persons—Except those who afterwards repent and live virtuously; for truly God is Lenient, Merciful!
2
3And those who accuse their wives and have no witnesses except themselves, then the testimony of a witness shall be four testimonies by God that he is of those who speak the truth. And the fifth (oath) should be that the wrath of God be upon him if he be of those who lie. But it shall avert the punishment from her if she testifies four times by God that (her husband) is of those who lie. And the fifth (oath) should be that the wrath of God be upon her if he speaks the truth."
These guidelines protect women’s honor and prescribe stringent evidence criteria for accusations of immorality.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Women and Gender in Islam by Leila Ahmed
- The Position of Women in Islam: A Progressive View by Mohammad Ali Syed
- Inside the Gender Jihad: Women’s Reform in Islam by Amina Wadud
- Gender and Islam in Africa: Rights, Sexuality, and Law by Dorrit van Dalen, Eva Evers Rosander
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual Equality: Both men and women are given equal spiritual standing in Islam.
- Guidelines for Modesty: Specific guidelines are provided to maintain modesty and social decency.
- Marital Dynamics: Instructions for fair treatment within marriage, emphasizing mutual respect and responsibilities.
- Protection of Honor: Strong laws against false accusations protect women’s dignity.
Conclusion
The Qur’an treats women as spiritually equal to men, provides them with specific rights and responsibilities, and upholds their dignity and honor through comprehensive guidelines. The misunderstanding that women ‘have no souls’ in Islam is dispelled by examining these clear instructions and examples from the Qur’an.
This structure provides a comprehensive understanding of Islamic teachings regarding women, based on Qur’anic verses, and serves as a valuable reference for readers and scholars alike.
